Description

Here is one of a great set of seven antique postcards advertising Kinder-garten shoes with a Mother Goose theme. The image is based on one of the most famous picture books of its time, Denslow’s Mother Goose, which spawned many imitators. These cards are now thought to be the unauthorized work of a Denslow imitator. The original verses were altered to mention Kindergarten Shoes, and are signed “F. F.” A very attractive, colorful and fun to collect set.

Seven is an odd number for a set, but some of the cards verify that this is the correct number: “A set of 7 different designs of these Kinder-garten Mother Goose post cards, of which this is one, sent post paid on receipt of 2 two-cent stamps. This panel left blank for writing on cards we send you. Smith-Wallace Shoe Co, Chicago, Ill.” I have seen cards in this set postmarked as early as 1906 (Denslow’s Mother Goose came out in 1901.)

Cards I’m listing separately include: Mary Quite Contrary, Baa Baa Black Sheep, Old Woman in a Shoe & Hush-a-bye Baby. Here we have Mistress Mary Quite Contrary. In good used condition, with edge wear, a name written at base on front, an address and postmarked 1908 on the rear.

Please visit the “Oz Illustrators” page of my Ebay store for other postcards and unusual Denslow related items! Photos and description by Wonderful Books of Oz, copyright protected through the DMCA act of 1998.